"Remember that whatever I have done worth remembering, I know that the founding of our society was one of them."
— Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald
Dear Eugenia,
Even though we have never met and are from two completely different time periods, I have a lot to thank you for. Without you, I wouldn't be the young woman that I am today. In 1851, you created the first secret society for women with five other young women. Today, there are 155 chapters across the nation and thousands of young women who have the privilege of taking part in this amazing organization. Here are a few things I wanted to take the time to thank you for:
Thank you for: giving me the sisters I'd always longed for but never had
Growing up with my only siblings being two brothers, I'd always secretly (but not so secretly) longed to know what it was like to also have a sister. Don't get me wrong, I love my brothers, but at times I wished I had someone I could relate to more. When I came to college, Eugenia, you gave me the opportunity to turn my dream into reality. I didn't just gain one sister but, instead, gained over 170 sisters in my chapter, alone and thousands of sisters across the nation.
Thank you for: allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself
I think that for everyone, transitioning into college can prove to be a strange and sometimes scary process. But you proved to me (and to all ADPi sisters) that it is a manageable task, especially with sisters who always have your back. I know that every single member of every single chapter of this organization, no matter where they are or what they are doing, would drop everything for a sister in need at any minute. And sometimes and I am still in awe that I am part of such a loving, caring, and supportive sisterhood.
Thank you for: teaching me the importance of giving back to the community
Without you and without this organization, I don't think I would quite understand just how important giving back to others is. I know that you weren't around when the Ronald McDonald House charities became one of our prominent philanthropies, but I'd like to think that you are proud of us for partnering with them. Not only do we help put a smile on their faces, but more importantly, they help to put a smile on ours. Some of the people I have met at RMH are some of the strongest, bravest people I have ever met. And because you stressed that service is one of our main values, you made it possible for me to meet those people.
Thank you for: teaching me what it means to live for others
You created our open motto, We Live For Each Other, over 100 years ago. But today, it rings as true and strong as ever. Because of you, I have girls in my life who I know I can call at two in the morning if I'm having a bad night, or who will help make me laugh when I need it most. And because of you, I also know that I would do anything and everything to help each and every one of these girls with anything they need because I know they would do the same for me -- and I know you would do the same as well.
Thank you for: letting me be a part of the first & the finest -- forever.
Eugenia, words can never truly express how grateful I am to you for creating the first & finest secret society for women. You have changed each and every members' life for the better. Through your bravery in founding this organization at only 16 years old, you have indeed done something worth remembering. You have created an amazing sisterhood that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. Pi is forever. You will live on in us and in this sisterhood and I sincerely hope that we are making you proud.
Love and Loyally,
A grateful sister
